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theguardian.com
One in three HR leaders face opposition to inclusion schemes, study finds
Exclusive: Resistance to equity, diversity and inclusion drives affects hiring chances of people with convictions, says charityMore than a third of HR decision-makers in the UK said they have faced pushback against equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives over the past year, according to new research.The new YouGov poll, carried out for the national employment charity Working Chance, surveyed 565 HR decision-makers and found that resistance towards EDI was on the rise. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Reform frontbench promotes JCB’s pothole machine after firm’s £200,000 donation
Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick, among others, have sung the praises of the JCB PotHole Pro Reform UK’s leading figures have repeatedly promoted a new pothole-fixing machine by the construction company JCB, while the party received £200,000 from the British digger maker, the Guardian can reveal.Several Reform politicians including Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson, Robert Jenrick, Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice have sung the praises of the JCB PotHole Pro machine. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Airlines can cancel flights in advance over fuel shortages under new plans
Ministers hope move would help avoid last-minute flight cancellations for passengers this summer over Middle East fuel supplies.
theguardian.com
Dynamic pay on platforms such as Uber should be banned, says TUC
Exclusive: Union body finds workers describing themselves as ‘gambling’ because wages felt like the outcome of chance rather than workThe practice of using “dynamic pricing” to set pay on gig economy platforms including Uber should be banned because it leaves workers at the mercy of shadowy algorithms with no certainty over their earnings, trade union leaders have urged.In a report exposing the human cost of the gig economy practice, the Trades Union Congress said pay was becoming decoupled from time, skill or effort. Instead, work had become a speculative practice with the rewards determined by an algorithmic process with little transparency. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
AI chatbot fraud: the ‘gift card’ subcription that may cost you dear
After subscribing to the Claude chatbot, mystery payments started to appear on one family’s credit card bill. They are not aloneDavid Duggan* was so impressed with the ability of the Claude chatbot to answer medical questions and organise family life, that a $20-a-month (£15) subscription seemed like money well spent.But then his wife spotted two $200 payments on his credit card bill for gift cards to use the artificial intelligence tool. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Global week ahead: Is 'Sell in May' just a myth?
Should investors 'sell in May' or flip a coin?
cnbc.com
'Godspeed my friend': Inside the final hours of Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines ceased operations overnight after a failed government bailout.
bbc.com
Voters will judge Trump on the economy - how is it doing?
How much Donald Trump can do with the time he has left as president will depend massively on the cost of living.
bbc.com
Spirit Airlines shutting down after rescue talks collapse
The airline had been in talks with the Trump administration about a $500m bailout.
cnbc.com
Spirit Airlines shuts down after failing to reach a bailout deal, ending discount travel era
Talks with bondholders for a government bailout this week failed to yield a deal.
theguardian.com
Spirit Airlines shutdown: How to get home and get refunds
If you’ve been snagged in the airline’s now-defunct flight schedule, here are some things to know about next stepsThe collapse of the US-based Spirit Airlines may mark the end of an era for travelers with a certain financial sensibility.But if you’ve been snagged in their now-defunct flight schedule, here are some things to know on how to get home, and get whole. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Abortion pill maker asks US supreme court to halt ban on mail-order access
Danco Laboratories files emergency appeal after lower court blocks telemedicine providers from prescribingA manufacturer of the abortion pill mifepristone, Danco Laboratories, filed an emergency appeal to the US supreme court on Saturday asking it to halt a court decision that would require an in‑person exam before the medication can be prescribed.The request came hours after the fifth US circuit court of appeals temporarily reinstated the requirement blocking telemedicine health providers from prescribing to patients by mail in response to a challenge from Louisiana. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Political blame game begins and passengers left adrift after Spirit ceases operations
Republicans blame Biden administration block on JetBlue deal; Democrats point to fuel price surge amid Iran warSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email US airlines and government officials battled on Saturday to deal with stranded passengers and stricken employees after discount carrier Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations – and a political and business blame game got under way over the collapse of the low-cost carrier.“If you have a flight scheduled with Spirit Airlines, don’t show up at the airport; there will be no one here to assist you,” the US secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, warned at a press conference after laying out measures for customers booked with the Florida-based company to obtain refunds or find discounted flights on other airlines. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Solar booms in industrial US midwest as energy crisis persists
Electricity has become one of the most important commodities in the region thanks to demand from datacenters, Iran war and rising utility charges For decades, the only regular visitors to the Twin Lake Reservoir in Lima, Ohio, were fishers passing hot summer evenings trying to snag a largemouth bass.But today, it’s a hive of activity. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Two buses, three hours and 13 miles: how Americans in ‘transit deserts’ get groceries without cars
As Covid-era funding dries up and bus services are cut, a food insecurity crisis is brewing from Tennessee to Rhode IslandZen’Yari Winters’ job, at a pet shop in East Memphis, Tennessee, should be a 20-minute trip from her house. She leaves herself three hours to get there. “The bus is always, always late,” she said – if it shows up at all.It’s not just her work commute that’s affected by the time-consuming guessing game that is riding with the Memphis Area Transit Authority (Mata). The only full-service grocer in the Chelsea-Hollywood area where she lives closed in 2025. To shop for food in person, she could take two buses for a 13-mile (20km) trip to Walmart. But she risks waiting at bus stops for hours with perishables – or shelling out about $24 for an Uber back. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Airfare amid Iran war: Buy now or wait out the conflict? Experts weigh the risks
It could be risky to delay buying plane tickets and hoping fares will drop, according to travel experts.
theguardian.com
‘They don’t belong in our environment’: US vineyards battle spotted lanternflies as invasive insects spread
From Virginia to New York, the bugs drain vines, cut yields and leave growers resorting to one simple fix: squash themAround grape harvest time about three years ago, an employee at Zephaniah Farm Vineyard in Leesburg, Virginia, noticed bugs, about 1in long with gray and black wings and a bright red underwing, atop some trees.While the insects were pretty, they were there for the grapevines and not welcome guests at the vineyard, which sits atop a farm that the Zephaniah family has run since 1949. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Less financial stability, smaller social safety nets: inside the gen Z investing boom
Apps, AI tools and shaky job prospects are pushing gen Z into markets earlier, blending caution with risk-takingAmbrico Ranginui first heard of cryptocurrencies when he was 12 years old. By the time he was 16, he had saved enough from birthday gifts and his allowance to invest.“Growing up in a single-mum household, it made me quite a determined person to get ahead,” Ranginui said. “I wanted to find new avenues to make money and crypto was so fascinating at the time.” Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Zambia cancels world’s largest human rights and tech summit days before start
Government blocks RightsCon 2026 conference saying it did not ‘align with national values’The world’s largest conference on human rights and technology has been cancelled just days before it was due to start after the Zambian government told organisers it did not align with “national values”.Zambia’s government had originally welcomed the RightsCon 2026 summit on “human rights in the digital age”, due to be held in the capital, Lusaka, on 5-8 May, but Thabo Kawana, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information & Media, said last week that the conference would not go ahead to allow time to ensure the gathering “aligns with Zambia’s national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations”. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Wrexham AFC used taxpayer funds for pitch upgrades not mentioned in initial grant
Documents made no reference to pitch works later added to £18m deal, with club spending £1.7m on upgradesWrexham AFC, the football club part-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, used taxpayer funds to re-lay its pitch, even though initial grant documents assessing the state investment did not make reference to it.The club has been awarded £18m in grants, with the first £3.8m tranche in February 2022. However, legally required state aid documents relating to that initial grant made no reference to the pitch works. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Samuel Ojo on Starmer and the cost of living crisis – cartoon
Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Britain pioneered the comfortable retirement – but that golden age is coming to an end | Helen McCarthy
The once inexorable rise in retiree living standards since the second world war has broken down. Can we keep the dream alive for future generations?When you think of retirement, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is images of older people enjoying a well-deserved period of leisure and comfort in the final stretch of their lives. Cruise ships, garden centres, golf clubs and bungalows by the sea. The truth is that this image is now, in large part, the artefact of a bygone age. A long and comfortable retirement starting at 60 or 65 is beginning to look like a collective social experience whose moment has passed. The political and economic forces it relied upon appear to have run their course – and it’s time to start thinking about what comes next. Retirement in Britain has a surprisingly short history, underpinned by dramatic improvements in older people’s quality of life over the past 50 years. Large public and private bureaucracies first started to enrol long-serving employees into pension schemes from the mid-19th century. In 1909, Britain introduced an old age pension funded by the state and targeting the poorest, who could claim it from the age of 70. But it was only after the second world war that a period of leisured old age become an ordinary expectation for most British workers.Helen McCarthy is a historian and the author of Double Lives: A History of Working Motherhood Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Yoko Ono trademark challenge leaves sour taste for John Lemon beer maker
Breton brewer forced to stop selling craft beer after Beatles singer’s widow registered lemon name to stop him being mockedA Brittany brewer is in a squeeze after Yoko Ono ordered him to stop selling a bestselling craft beer labelled John Lemon.The Japanese-American artist and widow of the Beatles star John Lennon claimed it was a breach of a trademark she had registered a decade ago to stop her late husband being mocked, his name misused and his reputation sullied. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
New free financial advice plan aims to help Britons build savings
‘Targeted support’ means certain banks and financial institutions can offer free extra help with investments and pensionsMany Britons are daunted by the world of investing, but new City rules mean certain banks and financial institutions can offer free extra help with investments and pensions.Last month marked the launch of “targeted support”, a new regulated service that permits companies to suggest investments and pension products to customers that might provide a better return. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
BBC News to bear deepest cuts amid 2,000 planned job losses
Staff warned news operations face 15% cut, above BBC-wide 10% target, as corporation pushes through £600m savings planThe BBC’s news operation is to cut costs by a steeper-than-expected 15%, with staff told to expect heavy redundancies.The division, home to about a quarter of all BBC staff, is being saddled with one of the highest cost-cutting targets as the corporation attempts to cut as many as 2,000 jobs in the biggest downsizing of the public service broadcaster in 15 years. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘People can see it – but can’t use it’: mystery of completed East-West Rail line that has no passenger trains
The East West Rail project linking Oxford to Milton Keynes was finished in 2024. There’s just one hitch: no servicesThe rumbling noise in the night, still enough to waken the unhabituated, is what really goads some people living in Winslow, Buckinghamshire. Freight trains running through the new station since late 2024 prove this stretch of railway is operational. But the long-promised passenger services have yet to appear – and there is no sign of any arriving soon.Welcome to East West Rail, open or not. For well over a decade, ministers have talked up a new railway linking Oxford to Cambridge via Milton Keynes to accelerate the drive for housing, jobs and growth – an arc of tech industry hailed as the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘There is real danger’: landline phone users voice fears over digital switchover
Rural dwellers reveal failings in backup plans, as campaigners call for deadline to be extended from 2027 to 2030“Every time there is a power failure I lose all means of communication with the outside world,” says Robert Dewar of life in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands since the landlines were transferred from the old copper cable network to broadband connections.Blackouts also knock out the village’s mobile phone signal. “Our most recent power cut lasted for 42 hours,” Dewar says. The interruption outlasted his five-hour emergency backup battery. “If I had had a heart attack there is damn all I could have done about it, except compose myself, say my prayers, and await the outcome.” Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Gaga, Dior and $24 tweezers: how The Devil Wears Prada 2 turns rags to riches
From celebrity cameos to lucrative brand partnerships, The Devil Wears Prada 2’s approach to maximising revenue is worthy of Runway’s finestFor a film that serves as a commentary on the perilous economics of today’s media landscape, it’s fitting that promotion for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has been so frank about its finances.Speaking ahead of the New York premiere, Meryl Streep revealed she initially turned down the role of withering fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly in the 2006 original in a bid to extract more money from its producers. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Cuba says Trump’s fresh sanctions on its economy amount to ‘collective punishment’
The US sanctions target people operating in broad sections of Cuban economy, including energy, defence and miningCuba’s government has said new sanctions imposed on the island by Donald Trump amounted to “collective punishment”, as an enormous 1 May procession outside the American embassy in Havana vowed to “defend the homeland”.In an executive order on Friday, the US president said he would impose sanctions on people involved in broad sections of the Cuban economy, as he seeks to put more pressure on Havana after ousting Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, earlier this year. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Trump says he's raising EU auto tariffs to 25%
The Supreme Court struck down Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs earlier this year, and Europe warned that its trade deal with Washington could be in jeopardy.
bbc.com
Mortgages, jobs and energy bills - how the Iran war will affect your money
The Bank of England's latest report reveals some interesting details on how our finances will be affected due to the Iran war.
bbc.com
Pentagon says US military to be an 'AI-first' fighting force
The US military has agreed eight new contracts with big tech firms as it expands its artificial intelligence capabilities.
cnbc.com
Apple's stock gains as company execs cite iPhone, Mac demand in boosting guidance
On its quarterly earnings call, Apple said revenue growth in the current quarter would be between 14% and 17%, well above analysts' estimates.
cnbc.com
Treasury yields are little changed after ISM data comes in below expectations
Treasury yields were little changed on Friday as investors assessed the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management.
bbc.com
Trump says he will hike tariffs on EU cars to 25%
The current level of tariffs charged on goods entering the US from the EU is 15%, under a deal negotiated last July.
theguardian.com
Trump tears up part of EU tariff deal to raise import duties on cars and lorries
US president says tariff on vehicles imported from EU will rise to 25% and accuses bloc of non-complianceDonald Trump has said he is tearing up part of the tariff deal he struck with EU leaders at his golf course in Scotland last summer, criticising Brussels for taking so long to ratify the deal.Blindsiding Brussels late on Friday, a public holiday in much of Europe, he announced that he would be increasing tariffs on cars and lorries imported into the US from the EU from 15% to 25% from next week. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
European countries still expect to lose money at World Cup despite prize fund increase
European nations wanted more merit-based prize moneyHigh costs of travel and hotels will exceed Fifa payoutsA number of leading European countries still expect to lose money at the World Cup despite Fifa increasing the prize and participation fund by $112m (£82m) this week.The main host federation, US Soccer, is also understood to be forecasting an operational loss on the tournament, although that will be more than offset by a projected $100m windfall from a revenue-sharing agreement from ticket sales with Fifa that will also benefit the two other co-hosts, Canada and Mexico. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Exxon Mobil CEO expects higher oil prices due to Iran war: ‘The market hasn’t seen the full impact’
Oil prices have soared on the risk of escalation and then plunged on hopes for peace before repeating the cycle.
cnbc.com
Bitcoin surged in April, but weak buyer demand makes the rally vulnerable
Bitcoin surged in April, but its run could be on shaky ground, according to CryptoQuant.
bbc.com
The Real Greek rescued by Cote Brasserie-owner
All but nine of the Mediterranean chain's 28 outlets are being taken over by the family-owned Karali group.
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on Britain’s fragile systems: when global shocks hit your shopping bill | Editorial
Energy disruption abroad drives prices at home, showing how few safeguards are built in – which is why a call for resilience must be heededWhen the Bank of England warned this week that food inflation could reach 7% by the end of the year, it revealed how little stands between a geopolitical jolt and a domestic crisis in Britain. A shock wave in the Gulf feeds through energy, fertiliser and supermarket prices into falling incomes, weak growth and job losses. What it exposes is not just inflation but a system unable to absorb disruption.The Bank is right that interest rates cannot move global energy prices. Raising them will not fix the shock. Instead, rate hikes redistribute the impact by compressing wages and deterring investment to stop higher costs becoming embedded. What appears as inflation is, in reality, the price of dependence on the strait of Hormuz. Clearly, the UK’s stability rests on security that the country that has yet to build into its infrastructure.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
bbc.com
No evidence of widespread fuel price-gouging, watchdog says
Profit margins were "broadly unchanged" between February and March, the UK's competition watchdog says.
cnbc.com
UK exports to U.S. plunge by 25% after Trump's 'liberation day' tariffs blitz
The U.K. is now running a trade deficit with its largest trading partner.
theguardian.com
ACCC v Woolworths may have exposed the ‘magic’ of supermarket discounts – but will it change how we shop?
The seven-day trial in the watchdog’s case against the supermarket offered a rare glimpse into its internal machinationsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPicture this: you’re at Woolworths, weighing up which laundry powder offers the best value for money.A 2kg box of Fab is on sale with a “Prices Dropped” promotional ticket showing it “Is” $8. The label also says the laundry powder has been reduced, and “Was” $14. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Crayola toys recalled over possible asbestos contamination
People should stop using the products immediately and keep out of the reach of children, the government says.
theguardian.com
Could Santa Marta climate talks mark ground zero in push to ditch fossil fuels?
Colombia hosted nearly 60 countries at pivotal time on world stage for fight to transition to a clean energy futureLooking out to sea from the grey sandy beaches of Santa Marta, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it is never hard to spot evidence of the country’s thriving fossil fuel export trade. Oil tankers ride at anchor on the horizon and sometimes, locals say, lumps of coal wash up on the shore, blown off the collier ships that carry cargos from the nearby mines.It was here, on Wednesday evening, that the Colombian government took a bold step to shift its economy – and that of the rest of the world – away from dependence on coal, gas and oil and into a new era of clean energy. With the first ever conference on “transitioning away from fossil fuels”, the host joined nearly 60 countries determined to loosen of the grip of petrostates on the world’s future. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Exxon Mobil and Chevron earnings fall as Iran war disrupts oil shipments
Oil prices were depressed during the first two months of the year, but suddenly spiked after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.
theguardian.com
‘Temu Range Rover’: what the bestselling Jaecoo 7 says about China’s electric car ascendancy
Loaded with extras and produced at a cut price, the crossover SUV has overtaken rival cars from US, Japanese and Korean firmsThe UK is no stranger to foreign cars. The bestseller lists in recent years have been dominated by the US’s Ford Puma, Japan’s Nissan Qashqai, Korea’s Kia Sportage and occasionally even Tesla’s Model Y.But in March the top 10 provided a shock: a Chinese car leapt into the lead. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Billions of meals at risk due to Iran war, says fertiliser boss
A shortage of fertiliser due to the Iran conflict could reduce crop yields and push prices higher, says the boss of Yara.
cnbc.com
Pentagon tech chief says Anthropic is still blacklisted, but Mythos is a separate issue
The DOD announced it has entered into agreements with seven other AI companies.
cnbc.com
The Tech Download: Chip stocks surge in ‘historic’ month as investors’ AI buildout concerns ease
March saw many chip stocks drop amid concerns over the AI buildout, but their fortunes have reversed in April.
cnbc.com
Japan risks Trump’s ire as Iran war fallout sparks currency intervention
“FX intervention will only get them so far,” one strategist said after the yen surged.
bbc.com
'I earn £36k but I can't afford to buy a house'
Shelter Cymru says privately rented homes are unaffordable for most people across Wales.
bbc.com
South East Water chair resigns after critical report
It comes after a group of MPs declared that they had no confidence in the company's leadership.
bbc.com
How the Iran war affects your money and bills
The conflict in the Middle East has increased pressure on the cost of petrol, household energy bills and even food.
theguardian.com
Renters in England: have you recently been served with a section 21 no-fault eviction? We would like to hear from you
What was your experience? Have you found another place to rent? Solicitors have said they were inundated with requests to serve last-minute section 21 no-fault evictions prior to the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force in England today.Citizens Advice said thousands of people facing a no-fault eviction had approached it for help in the last month. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Spotify adds 'Verified' badges to distinguish human artists from AI
The music streaming platform will review criteria such as artists' live dates and social media presence.
bbc.com
How will car finance compensation payments work?
Millions could be entitled to compensation as a result of commission arrangements between lenders and dealers.
cnbc.com
Trump scraps Scotch whisky tariffs ‘in honor’ of King Charles
The move is expected to recoup millions of dollars a month for Scotland’s economy.
bbc.com
'We're in a successful band but still work jobs'
Red Rum Club lead singer Fran Doran spoke to BBC North West ahead of the local elections
cnbc.com
AstraZeneca stock falls after FDA panel votes against new cancer drug
The advisory panel wasn't convinced that a clinical trial proved that early switching to camizestrant improved long-term survival rates.
bbc.com
Apple says iPhone 17 'most popular ever' as sales soar
The record results come as boss Tim Cook is preparing to bow out after 15 years at the helm.
cnbc.com
Bank of England faces the 'most difficult combination,' says governor Bailey as energy prices soar
Bank of England policymakers must contend with the "most difficult combination" of economic effects, according to governor Andrew Bailey
cnbc.com
Engine trouble ahead? How the Strait of Hormuz standoff threatens luxury auto giants
Supercar engines rely on base oils because they can withstand extreme heat, high revs and intense pressure.
bbc.com
Trump to remove whisky tariffs after King's visit
The US president said he would lift restrictions on Scotland's ability to work with the state of Kentucky on whisky and bourbon.
cnbc.com
Australia and Japan markets climb, looking past Iran war escalation fears
This comes as investors took in strong earnings stateside, looking past weaker-than-expected economic data and threats of escalation in Iran.
theguardian.com
‘Major labels are trying to scoop up everything’: the chaotic future for indie music companies – and why vinyl isn’t working
As stalwarts Sub Pop and Rough Trade celebrate big anniversaries, insiders speak candidly about the challenges they face. Can streaming ever ensure their survival?In the late 1980s, the fledgling Seattle record label Sub Pop was a mess. It struggled to pay the phone bill; staff would race to cash their wage cheques before they bounced; and the management couldn’t even cover studio time that had been booked for their artists. “We were a big train wreck,” laughs Megan Jasper, who was then the label’s receptionist. “But the funnest train wreck you’d ever want to be on.” One of the label’s mottos became: “Going out of business since 1988.”Then Nirvana released their debut album on Sub Pop and their success saved the company in the 1990s. Now, as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, Jasper is the chief executive. “Is it rewarding and is the label still working? Yes,” she says. “But it’s never been easy – there have always been challenges and now there are more of them. Plus, it’s harder than ever for artists.” Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Apple CEO Tim Cook warns of extended memory crunch. 'We'll look at a range of options'
In Apple's quarterly earnings report, CEO Tim Cook warned of further memory constraints in the coming quarters.
cnbc.com
Japan Airlines begins humanoid robot trials at Tokyo's Haneda airport as labor shortages bite
Tokyo's Haneda Airport is beginning a trial of humanoid robots in airport ground services amid chronic labor challenges and a rapidly ageing workforce.
cnbc.com
CNBC Daily Open: May Day dawns
Trading holidays in Europe and Asia make for a quiet day in markets, as investors digest strong April performance and rate decisions from the ECB and BOE.
theguardian.com
Grade II-listed homes in England for sale – in pictures
From a quintessential ‘chocolate box’ cottage to part of a grand stately home Continue reading...
bbc.com
Tourists feel petrol pinch and cut down on day trips
Tourist attractions in the West report falling numbers as people spend more on essentials.
cnbc.com
China’s EV price war turns into AI arms race beyond cheaper cars
Chinese EV firms are rapidly rolling out in-car AI features to gain an edge, but as the price war drags on, those technologies are quickly becoming commoditized.
theguardian.com
Germany’s climate U-turn is the worst possible response to the oil shock | Tania Roettger
Prices at the pump have leapt since the start of the conflict – but clinging to fossil fuels will only prolong the painThe car is perhaps the closest thing Germany has to a national symbol. For this reason, the success of the auto industry and the happiness of motorists has long been a barometer for the standing of the Federal Republic.Since the beginning of the war on Iran, German news has been filled with stories about drivers. Journalists have filed breathless dispatches from petrol stations all over the country, reporting scenes of anger and frustration at the hike in fuel prices.Tania Roettger is a journalist based in Berlin Continue reading...
cnbc.com
China’s self-driving truck leaders say AI breakthroughs won’t accelerate rollout — here’s why
Rapid advances in AI for coding and chatbots doesn't change the timeline for getting self-driving vehicles on the road, industry executives in China said.
bbc.com
Chippies sell catfish as 'traditional fish supper'
A BBC investigation finds chip shop owners passing off cheaper species as "traditional fish and chips".
bbc.com
China scraps tariffs for all but one African nation
The zero-tariff regime gives China's soft power a boost, but may lead to uneven gains, say analysts.
bbc.com
Will AI lead to more accurate opinion polls?
It's cheaper and faster to collect people's opinions using AI, but will it make polls more accurate?
bbc.com
'There were letters I didn't want to open': Rise in unpaid debt court cases
The number of county court judgements rose by 17.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to last, data suggests.
cnbc.com
Apple revenue guidance tops estimates on booming iPhone, Mac demand
Apple reported 17% revenue growth, topping estimates, even as iPhone sales came up short.
theguardian.com
Tony Blair’s thinktank urges Labour to scrap ‘unaffordable’ pension triple lock
State pension was ‘built for a different era’, says former PM’s organisation amid pressure on government financesLabour has been urged by Tony Blair’s thinktank to scrap the pensions triple lock amid mounting pressure on government finances.With the Iran war threatening to derail public spending plans, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) said the “unaffordable” manifesto pledge to maintain the triple lock should be torn up as part of a wider overhaul of the state pension. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Reddit reports 69% jump in revenue, topping analyst estimates
Reddit reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded Wall Street expectations.
bbc.com
Oil price hits highest since 2022 after report Trump to be briefed on new Iran options
Axios reported that US Central Command has prepared a plan for a wave of "short and powerful" strikes on Iran.
theguardian.com
If you’re not Thames, the water looks lovely for investors | Nils Pratley
Share prices of United Utilities and Severn Trent show that investors seem keen to throw capital at the right firmsThames Water, with occasional cameos by ugly little siblings Southern Water and South East Water, grabs most of the attention in the sector for obvious reasons. So it’s easy to overlook what’s happening further north. Short answer: the new era of higher bills and higher spending on water infrastructure will feel splendid if you’re United Utilities, licence-holder in north-west England, or Severn Trent, operating in the Midlands.The former’s share price surged 11% on Thursday, the sort of thing that shouldn’t happen at a utility where success is meant to be defined in terms of dull predictability. And it’s definitely unusual to see a one-day valuation jump of that size when the company is issuing £800m-worth of new shares. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Premier Inn owner to cut 3,800 jobs in savings plan
Whitbread says it will also remodel its 197 hotel restaurants as part of a five-year savings plan.
bbc.com
What the Renters' Rights Act means for tenants and landlords
The biggest shake up of renting rules in England for 30 years affects millions of people.
bbc.com
Faisal Islam: The wide field of uncertainties facing the UK
The Bank tries to manage expectations over what outcomes are plausible if the Middle East conflict lasts several months.
bbc.com
Bank of England says rates could rise as Iran war fuels inflation
The Bank of England voted to hold interest rates at 3.75% as it monitors the knock-on effects of the Middle East conflict.
theguardian.com
Bank of England warns UK should brace for higher inflation due to Middle East war – video
The Bank of England has left interest rates unchanged at 3.75% but warned that the UK may need to brace for hikes later this year, as a result of the war in the Middle East.The Bank’s rate-setting monetary policy committee voted to leave borrowing costs on hold on Thursday, with its nine-members split 8-1 in their decision.Andrew Bailey, the central bank’s governor, said the war in the Middle East was causing inflation to rise this year. He added that the policymakers were monitoring the global situation and its impact on the UK economy 'very closely', but that the decision to hold rates at 3.75% for now is a 'reasonable place given the situation of the economy and the unpredictability of events in the Middle East'Business liveBank of England warns ‘higher inflation is unavoidable’ after leaving interest rates on hold Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Could the UAE’s shock exit from Opec cause an oil price war?
A standoff between Gulf oil giants Saudi Arabia and the UAE could cause greater market volatility for years to comeThe conflict in the Middle East has claimed Opec as the latest casualty of war. The United Arab Emirates’ shock exit from the oil cartel on Tuesday after 60 years is expected to weaken the alliance, which under the leadership of Saudi Arabia has helped to soothe volatility in the global oil market for decades.Global oil prices reached the highest level in four years on Thursday, rising above $126 a barrel. But as the region grapples with the continuing conflict, a fresh war may be brewing in the international oil markets, which could lead to greater market volatility for years to come. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Boaz Weinstein’s activist investor Saba seizes control of UK tech fund after bitter SpaceX feud
The Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust conceded defeat to the Boaz Weinstein's activist fund on Thursday.
theguardian.com
Why Bank kept interest rates on hold despite message for UK to brace itself for Trumpflation
The reasons are hardly comforting, pointing to the weakness of a battered economy in the face of this latest crisisBusiness live – latest updatesBank warns ‘higher inflation unavoidable’ after leaving interest rates on holdThe message to the UK’s crisis-weary households from the Bank of England is: brace yourself for Trumpflation – and the higher interest rates it may yet take to rein it in.Reading the Bank’s quarterly monetary policy report, it is not difficult to understand the fury Rachel Reeves expressed while in Washington this month at the “folly” of the US president’s war on Iran – its economic consequences will hit the UK hard. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Why your favourite brands are suddenly failing
You’re not imagining it. Smaller portions. Higher prices. Worse service. It’s easy to blame inflation, but that’s not the full story. Over the last few decades, a financial model has quietly taken over huge parts of everyday life. From restaurants and retailers to vets and care homes, many of the brands we rely on are no longer being run as long-term businesses, but as investments designed to generate fast returns. In this video, Neelam Tailor breaks down how private equity actually works, why it’s grown so quickly, and how it can reshape the businesses you interact with every day. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Nvidia just invested in the AI legal startup that's splashing Jude Law ads everywhere
Swedish startup Legora has raised more than $800 million in the past 12 months, and the latest deal values it at $5.6 billion.
bbc.com
Meta in row after workers who say they saw smart glasses users having sex lose jobs
Meta and its subcontractor disagree over why over 1000 Kenya-based workers were made redundant.
cnbc.com
Japan puts 'too much burden' on U.S. for security, former defense minister Kono says
This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is reviewing the possibility of a troop reduction in Germany.
theguardian.com
In plane sight: how the gilded elite live – in pictures
From golf tournaments to shooting parties, these images of photographer Will Vogt’s social circle offer us an intimate glimpse of a world that feels out of reach Continue reading...
bbc.com
'We will kill you and burn your house': Council staff under attack from High Street gangs
Dozens of Trading Standards officers describe intimidation from criminals running mini-marts and vape shops.
theguardian.com
I took an algorithm to court in Sweden. The algorithm won | Charlotta Kronblad
Gothenburg promised to optimise school admissions with a piece of code. The resulting chaos showed how unaccountable systems are ruining livesWe like to imagine that injustice announces itself loudly. That when something goes wrong in the public system, alarms go off and someone takes responsibility or is held accountable if they do not. But in 2020 in Gothenburg, injustice arrived quietly, disguised as efficiency.For the first time, the city used an algorithm to allocate places in its schools. After all, working out geographical catchment areas and admissions is an administrative headache for any municipality. What better than a machine to optimise distances, preferences and capacity? The system was designed to serve public efficiency: framed as neutral, streamlined and objective.Charlotta Kronblad researches digital transformation at the University of Gothenburg. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Inside India newsletter: AI is exposing cracks in India’s growth story as it hits high-paying IT jobs
India’s IT sector fueled consumption growth, but AI is reducing mass hiring now, revealing a shortage of quality jobs, risking future economic momentum.
bbc.com
The kelp producer who wants to get Americans eating seaweed
Marine farmer Suzie Flores also hopes the crop can revitalise the US's small fishing towns.
bbc.com
Why has the UAE left Opec - and why does this matter?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quitting oil cartel Opec after nearly 60 years of membership.
bbc.com
What do shoppers think about the future of their high street?
Freshney Place is being renovated to include a new food hall and five-screen cinema.
bbc.com
Why Spotify has no button to filter out AI music
Music streamer Deezer allows users to filter out AI music, so why does Spotify not offer the same?
bbc.com
Why Elon Musk and Sam Altman are fighting over OpenAI
Musk, who co-founded the company that created ChatGPT with Altman, wants more than $130bn in damages.
bbc.com
How climate change threatens the economic backbone of the Pacific
Tuna populations around the Pacific Islands could move away as ocean temperatures increase.
bbc.com
From scientist to silk farmer: India's silk industry renewal
Silk production is an increasingly high-tech business in India.
bbc.com
High street drug dealer sells cannabis to undercover reporter
Across the UK, shopfronts are being exploited by criminal gangs pushing illegal drugs, experts say.
bbc.com
What the Warner Bros deal could mean for streaming, cinemas and news
If Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros goes ahead it could significantly reshape Hollywood.
bbc.com
Watch: BBC goes undercover at mini-mart selling drugs
BBC UK editor Ed Thomas confronts a shopkeeper secretly filmed selling cannabis and cocaine to one of our researchers.
bbc.com
How a pivot to hair accessories led to business success
Jenny Lennick's colourful hair clips are sold across the US and around the world.
bbc.com
The 'dumb machine' promising a clean energy breakthrough
A stellarator is difficult to build, but could it be the best way to make fusion energy work?
bbc.com
Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert
Old garments from around the world are being discarded in the South American country.
bbc.com
Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated - this is what the fightback looks like
Scams have exploded over the last few years. Can countries and companies come together to turn the tables on the scammers?
bbc.com
The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high
Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why
bbc.com
Prepare for turbulence - how a prolonged Middle East conflict could reshape how we fly
The Gulf's hub airports made long-distance travel cheaper - but now their future looks unclear.
bbc.com
Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers
Will the pursuit of a closer relationship with the EU risk courting electoral disaster by alienating Brexit-backing voters?
bbc.com
The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse
There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?
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